SWANS - TremontTempleMacon.com

SWANS
JUNE 20, 2009
HOMEWOOD SUITES by Hilton
JUNE 21, 2009
THE POWER CENTER
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
EVENT PARTNERS
Middle Georgia Sisterhood
Events by Frances
Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company
Safe House Enterprises
Elite Charters, Inc.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
River Edge Behavior Center
Bibb County Coroner
Minx with Blazin’ 92.3
WHITKO, Inc
SUMMER CAMP 2009
YOUTH MINISTRY
PATIO AND SLUMBER PARTY
HIV/AID’s AWARENESS CLINIC
A Power Sources Unlimited Outreach Ministry of Tremont Temple Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Road
Macon, GA 31206
(478) 788-3004 phone
(478) 788-3006 fax
Website: www.tremonttemplemacon.com
SWANS enjoying their
SPA Retreat April 2009
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
Registration and Parental Consent
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church, her community outreach ministry Power Sources Unlimited,
and collaborative partners are proud to invite your daughter to attend a Pool and Slumber Party to
be held June 20, 2009 at the Homewood Suites by Hilton located at 200 North Macon St.
(Bass Road) in Macon, Georgia and Tremont Temple’s Youth Day Celebration to be held
June 21, 2009 at The Power Center located at 5263 Bloomfield Road in Macon, Georgia.
These events are components of this year’s PSU’s Holiday Camp Ministry, Tremont Temple’s Youth
Ministry and in collaboration with The Middle Georgia Sisterhood’s HIV/AID’s awareness campaign, Safe
Health Enterprises domestic abuse service, Elite Charters, Inc limousine service, and Metamorphasis
Power House Company.
The Pool and Slumber Party is designed to provide teenage girls an opportunity to meet women in our
community interested in coaching and helping girls become the best women they can be while having fun
doing girl stuff!
Please check all the topics and activities your daughter may participate in.
 Sex, Abstinence, and Prevention
 HIV/AID’s, STDs
 Addictive Behavior
 Substance Abuse
 Christian Values
 Christian Lifestyles
 The movie “Cover”
 Personal Hygiene; Positive Self Image
 Social Etiquette and Networking
 Appropriate Occasion Attire
 Swimming
 Social Justice and Advocacy
 Domestic Violence
 Boys and Dating
 Peer Pressure
 Community Service
 Motherhood
 Personal Identity
 Nutrition, Exercise, and Meditation
 Networking
 Low impact exercise
 Setting and Accomplishing Goals
 Field Trip--Transportation
 Pen Pal—Give,Share,Grow
 Fund Raising
 Church Worship Service
There is no cost for your daughter to participate; however, each participant will need swim wear, pajamas,
and church clothing appropriate for the type of event (no thong-type bathing suits, teddy PJ’s, low cut
tops, etc.). Please call Janice Rainey-Whitby at 742-4736 or Beverly Jones 751-4458 before June 16,
2009 if you need transportation or have any concerns.
I understand and agree that by my signature I am allowing my daughter to participate in the Pool and
Slumber Party and activities described above.
Daughter’s Name (print)
Emergency Phone:
Parent/Guardian (print)
Parent/Guardian (signature
Street Address
Age:
Grade:
Phone Number
Date
You must submit this signed consent no later the June 20 during registration and check-in.
Form available for download and print at http://evolve-strive-reach.org 6/14/09.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
MEDICAL INFORMATION AND CONSENT
EVENT:
DATE:
Pool and Slumber Party; Youth Ministry Celebration
June 20—21, 2009
Please provide the following information and approval to insure that your child’s participation in this
event is safe.
Child Name (please print)
Parent/Guardian Name (please print)
Emergency Telephone Number
Child’s Primary Physician Name
Child’s Primary Physician Telephone No.
Hospital/Emergency Service Preference
List all know allergies/contraindicative medical reactions:
Check if child needs any of
Glasses/Contact:
Asthma/Bronchial Inhaler
the following
Hearing Aide
Mobility Aide
If “other”, please describe:
List all prescription medicine, dosage, and times your child will bring with them below
Insulin
Other
Provide additional Emergency contact names and telephone number
Name (print)
Telephone Number
Name (print)
Telephone Number
THIS INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL AND MAY NOT BE DUPLICATED OR RELEASED
TO ANYONE EXCEPT THE PERSON SIGNING BELOW, EMERGENCY RESPONDERS, AND
EVENT SPONSOR DESIGNEE.
Please be advised you are agreeing to hold the event sponsors (Tremont Temple Baptist Church, Power
Sources Unlimited, Inc., The Middle Georgia Sisterhood) and chaperone volunteers harmless for any
prescribed medicine your child will take during this event. No over the counter medication shall be
provided and you will be called to deliver/give medicine or pick-up your child should they suffer physical
discomfort, minor accidental injury, fever, flu like or communicable disease symptoms. No child will be
allowed to stay if they incur a fever. In the event of trauma or suspect medical emergency, event sponsor
chaperones will call for local emergency assistance first, you and your emergency contacts. You will be
responsible for all cost associated with emergency care, including transportation. Although your
preference for service and physicians are listed above, emergency medical services and nearest location
for care shall be the sole discretion of the emergency responders. This consent form shall only be effective
during the dates shown above for the event. All previous medical information on file is not to be used for
any purpose.
I (print name)_________________________have read and understand all conditions,
responsibilities and obligations of all parties contained in this document give my consent on the date by
my signature below.
Date
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature
Form available for download and print at http://evolve-strive-reach.org 6/14/09.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
POOL AND SLUMBER PARTY—JUNE 20, 2009
Participant and Parent Check List
To insure that your daughter enjoys this event and we provide a safe and healthy environment, please
review the following information, suggestions, and guidelines.
Event updates and forms available at http://evolve-strive-reach.org June 14, 2009
1. Please be advised that we will only be able to serve 40 girls and participation will be on a first
come first serve basis.
2. Each girl should bring personal toiletries/make-up, toothbrush, comb/brush, hair rollers, towel,
wash cloth, church clothes, pajama, flip flops, swim-suit cover up, sleeping bag or comforter,
travel pillow, 24 hour supply of prescription medicine (if must be taken between 2:00 PM and
2:00 PM), inhalers or breathing machines, diabetes test monitors, and any personal item required
to maintain health or hygiene. Label all valuables and do not bring any money unless you
intend to make a church offering. Bring music (no profanity or sexually explicit lyrics), cameras,
props/ costumes, authored work, artwork or any creative work to share their talent at the slumber
party. Consider wearing you bathing suit under your street clothes to check-in.
3. We welcome parent and family donations for this event. We are requesting financial donations as
well as faux pearls, grab bag gifts, the book “Think like a man, Act like a women” by Steve Harvey,
bibles, 3”-6” dolls, food (hamburgers/buns, sausage, hot dogs, hot dog buns, drinks, bottled
water, chips, cookies, cake, popcorn, candy, energy bars, fruit), straws, paper towels, hand
sanitizer and your thoughtful surprise.
4. Parents and their daughters will be asked to provide feedback through surveys to promote future
quality programming, participate in future events and planning, take photographs for historic
documentation, web page promotion, press releases, recruitment, and service marketing. Names,
address, telephone numbers, confidential medical information of parents and/or their children
shall not be provided any agencies, except event partners, without parental consent.
5. Each girl will be required to check in/out. Event check-in/check-out (slumber party and youth
ministry celebration) will require the signature of the parent, legal guardian, or transportation
provider.
6. Transportation providers may not sign or initial any documents that require parent/legal
guardian approval or consent. Transportation will be provided from the Hilton to Church on
June 21, 2009.
7. We respectfully request that parents arrange on time sign-in June 20 at the Hilton and pick-up
June 21, 2009 at The Power Center for their daughters. Requests for transportation must be
confirmed no later than June 16, 2009. Please refer to the Event Schedule and updates posted
on http://evolve-strive-reach.org after June 14.
8. Parents will be able to visit and observe all events but must sign-in/out as a chaperone volunteer
in the suite location. No accommodations or refreshments are planned for parents who are not
members of event sponsors. Girls will not be allowed to have male guest (fathers or male legal
guardian excepted) attend any activity or visit during the times of this event. Please refer to the
list of event planners, volunteers, chaperones and partners.
9. Girls will not be allowed to leave the premises once they check-in unless it is with the
parent/guardian signing the consent form. There will be no exceptions.
10. Girls will not be allowed to smoke, consume alcohol, abuse drugs, engage in inappropriate
behavior and participate. Girls must follow the rules for safety and consumer quality established
by Hilton. It will be the responsibility of the parent, if called for any of these reasons, to pick-up
their child within 30 minutes of notification that an incidence has occurred.
11. We will only allow the use of cell phones during the pool party and breaks to encourage
participation and maximize sharing, learning and fun time. Please do not bring other internet
facilitating electronics (laptops). Neither girls nor their parents will be allowed to use the hotel
suite telephones incurring local or long distance charges.
12. Neither girls nor their parent/legal guardian will be allowed to order room service or purchase
any additional hotel services to be charged to the suite or event account.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
Pool and Slumber Party and Youth Day Celebration
Schedule
June 20
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
9:00 PM
11:00 PM
Midnight
Activity
Check-In and Registration
Pool Party
Patio Grill Meet & Greet Dinner
Break & PJ Change
Speaker (in Suite)
PJ Contest
The movie “Cover”
Pillow Talk—Movie Discussion
Pre-Dawn Vitality Burst
 Speakers & Girl Talk
 Talent Show
 More Contests & Prizes
June 21
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:45 AM
1:00 PM
Activity
Breakfast
Check-Out—Travel to Tremont
Youth Ministry Service Orientation
Ministry Celebration
Parent Pick-Up
The schedule is subject to change if deemed necessary by facilitators, chaperones, or
speaker(s) availability.
Remember ladies…
 Fill out the Talent Show—Team activity form and hand it in at Hotel Check-In.
 No friend, especially a boy, is invited to participate or visit. Every girl (ages 13 to 19)
must have parental consent.
 Cell phone use is limited to check-in, pool party, breaks, PJ change, check-out, and
travel to Tremont Temple and parent pick-up.
 Be courteous to one another, your chaperones, speakers, and hotel staff.
 You may not leave the hotel premises with anyone other than your parent, legal
guardian, emergency contacts, or event coordinated transportation provider.
 You may not charge any services to the suite, including telephone calls. You may not
explore the hotel without permission from your event chaperones.
 Immediately report medical problems, physical injuries or disagreements to an
event sponsor chaperone.
 Keep the suite and your personal items tidy.
 HAVE FUN!!!
Updates available at http://evolve-strive-reach.org 6/14/09.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
POOL AND SLUMBER PARTY—JUNE 20, 2009
TALENT SHOW
SHOW AND TELL
TEAM SIGN UP FORM
My Name (print)
My Stage Name(print)
Describe how you would like to be introduced below:
 Sing
 Model
 DJ Skills
Check the talent you will share below
 Impersonation
 Drama
 Spoken Word
 Instrumental
 Dance
 An Invention
Other (list)
 Gymnastics
 Baton
 Mime
 Step
 Tricks
 Magic
I will show and tell my_________________________________________________.
Everyone will participate in the PJ contest as individuals. You must sign up to participate
in at least one team activity. Please check the activity you would like to enjoy.
 Two Lies—One Truth (Outwit you opposing team. Team guessing the most truth
wins)
 Kiss Scavenger Hunt (find the Hershey’s kiss)
 SWAN Jeopardy (correctly answer the most questions about SWAN activities and
info)
 Hair Roller-rama Relay (team players roll team mates hair in relay; change stylist
when whistle blows using only plastic straws and a brush)
 Night Guide (Team must direct blind folded team mate from one point to another by
voice only)
 Guess What and Where (similar to scavenger hunt; but teams must figure out what
they are looking for and where it is hidden using only clues provided)
 Under the beds obstacle course (teams relay race/squeeze under the beds 7 times;
first team center of suite wins round)
Form available for download and print at http://evolve-strive-reach.org 6/14/09.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
POOL AND SLUMBER PARTY
JUNE 20, 2009
PARTICIPANT QUALITY SURVEY
CHECK ONE
Youth (13-19)
Event
Volunteer
Parent/Guardian
st
Other
st
1 Tremont Event?
Yes
No
1 Sisterhood Event?
Yes
No
Are you a community volunteer?
Yes
No
Member of a church?
Yes
No
Would you attend future Swan events? Yes
No
Would you recommend SWANS to others? Yes
No
For each item identified below, circle the number to the right that best fits your judgment of its quality.
Use the scale above to select the quality number.
Scale
Excellent
Enjoyed it
Okay
Needs
Work
Hated It
Rate each of these activities and services
Hotel accommodations and service
1
2
3
4
5
Event registration and check-in
1
2
3
4
5
Pool Party, Patio Cook Out
1
2
3
4
5
Meet and Greet
1
2
3
4
5
PJ Contest
1
2
3
4
5
Movie (Cover)
1
2
3
4
5
Pillow Talk Discussion
1
2
3
4
5
Speaker (fill in topic)
1
2
3
4
5
Speaker (fill in topic)
1
2
3
4
5
Speaker (fill in topic)
1
2
3
4
5
Speaker (fill in topic)
1
2
3
4
5
Snacks and Drinks
1
2
3
4
5
Pre-Dawn Activities (From Midnight to Daybreak)
1
2
3
4
5
Prizes and grab bags
1
2
3
4
5
Chaperones
1
2
3
4
5
Thanks for participating in this Survey.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
EVENT PLANNERS, VOLUNTEERS AND CHAPERONES LIST
(List will be updated as required)
Nicole
Lethia
Felicia
James
Frances
Brenda
Emily
Benjalyn
Daniel
Marguerite
Beverlyn
Yulonda
Beverly
Leon
Joyce
Denise
Audrey
Janice
Elizabeth
Theresa
Ruth
Rolandria
Geraldine
Irene
Cherlyn
Becky
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
Austin
Benion
Branton
Bumpus
Byrd
Cherry
Davis
Edwards
Epps
Farley
Hudson
Hurst Hill
Jones
Jones
Lockett
McIntosh
Purcell
Rainey-Whitby
Robinson
Robinson
Swint
Tolbert
White
Williams
Young
Sessions
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR EVENT PARTNERS
Middle Georgia Sisterhood
A community health initiative
Beverlyn Hudson 361-7075
Beverly Jones 751-4458
Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company
Empowering communities to evolve-strive-reach beyond now
Josette Hutton 1-404-803-4142
Safe House Enterprises
Domestic Abuse support for women, children and families
Nicole Austin 731-3823
Elite Charters Inc.
The perfect limousine service when 1st class matters
Daniel Epps 254-2999
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Macon, GA
For registration and services call 477-9776
Events by Frances
Stylish food and décor
Frances Byrd 731-1542
River Edge Behavior Center
Confidential counseling and services
Geraldine H. White, HIV/EIS Counselor
751-4547
Blazin’ 92.3
Jammin’ the most hip hop & R&B
Call Minx at 1-770-757-2009 for your next radio advertisement
WHITKO, Inc.
Quality brochures, business cards, flyers, and technical publications for small businesses, non-profit
organizations, professionals, construction and IT
Your idea…Our experience…Win
Janice and Adonis Whitby 742-4736
To find out how you or your organization can join these proud sponsors and serve girls in
our community, call Janice at 742-4736 or Elizabeth at 745-3743.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
UPCOMING EVENTS
Power Sources Unlimited—Tremont Temple Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Road Call 788-5004
Tornado Recovery call 211—grants available
Project Unity
June 27, 2009—Village Green Clean up 8:30 AM—12:30 PM
July 1, 2009—Celebration of Love, Unity and Brotherhood 5 PM—7:30 PM
July 4, 2009—TriniTee Club Golf Driving Range Tournament
June 15—19 Vacation Bible School
August 8, 2009 Back to School Bash
August 9, 2009 Dance Recital
September 11--13, 2009 Citywide Womens’ Interfaith Conference
September 18, 2009 A Night of Entertainment
Middle Georgia Sisterhood and River Edge Behavioral Center
(call 751-4450 or 361-7075 for mobile unit location and time)
June 26—27, 2009 National HIV Testing
Metamorphasis Powerhouse Company
Visit http://evolve-strive-reach.org for updates
October 2009 Just Say Y.E.S. Youth Summit
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
NOTES
Topic/Speaker:
Topic/Speaker:
Topic/Speaker:
Topic/Speaker:
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
MY SWANS NETWORK--CONTACTS
Name
Address
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
Phone
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Email
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
From:
Send Me a Free
Preview Issue Now!
You need only four ingredients to make these moisturizing exfoliants. The base can be
made from either Epsom salts or sugar, depending on whether you want a large or fine
grain. Color the scrubs with shades that are in keeping with some of the scents you
use -- pink with grapefruit, for example, or green with eucalyptus. Makes about 2 1/3
cups.
Tools and Materials
2 cups Epsom salts or organic cane sugar
1 cup carrier oil
8 drops essential oil(s)
1 drop food coloring
Special equipment: plastic pipette, canning jars
Directions
1. Stir together Epsom salts or sugar and carrier oil in a bowl, mixing well.
2. Using pipette, add essential oil, 1 drop at a time. Add food coloring, and stir until
color is even throughout. Spoon into canning jars.
3. Download clip-art labels, enlarging or reducing to fit top of canning jar if necessary. Print onto ink-jet bumper-sticker paper (which is
designed to withstand water). Cut out the labels, and affix to clean jars.
Gift-Packaging Idea
With their flip-top lids and gaskets for sealing, canning jars have a clean look and also keep any oil in the scrub from leaking. Decorate the
jars with labels, and tie a pretty spoon or a bath sponge to the lid with waxed twine.
Clip-Art Labels
Blank Body Scrub Labels 1
Blank Body Scrub Labels 2
Salt Scrub Labels 1
Salt Scrub Labels 2
Sugar Scrub Labels 1
Sugar Scrub Labels 2
Label How-To
Download clip-art labels above, enlarging or reducing to fit top of canning jar if necessary. Print onto ink-jet-bumper-sticker paper (which is
designed to withstand water). Cut out the labels, and affix to clean jars.
Sources
Mold jars (#740), $14.60 for 6 jars with glass lids, 6 rings, and 12 clamps, by Weck, from weckcanning.com.
4 1/4"-by-11" matte ink-jet bumper stickers (#922811), $12.99, from Office Depot, officedepot.com.
Get More Bath and Body Treatments and Learn About Essential Oils
First Published: December 2008
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
From:
Let kids redo this basic office staple as a gift for Dad -- their messages will last well
beyond Father's Day.
Wrap a rubber band around a notepad cube and have kids write greetings and make
drawings on two sides with a broad, pointy marker. (Fine tips will get caught between
the pages.) Move band, and decorate the other two sides. Tie the notepad with a
colorful ribbon. As an added gift, slide in a pen.
Sources
Blank note cubes, $4.95 for three, from Oriental Trading, 800-228-2269 or
orientaltrading.com.
GO GREEN—10 WAYS TO BE MORE GREEN from © 2009 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. All rights
reserved
1. Turn off the lights
2. Eat more veggies
3. Use greener cleaners
a. White vinegar
b. Baking soda
c. Oranges
d. Lemons and limes
e. Essential plant oils
f. Olive oil
g. Castile (glycerin, coconut) soaps
h. Tea tree oil
4. Find new uses for old things—recycle
5. Spend more time outdoors
6. Use your own shopping bags
7. Start gardening
8. Buy products made from recycled and bio-degradable materials
9. Choose reusable instead of disposable containers and products
10. Turn off your computer
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around
the water. Hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a
great way to beat the heat.
Between having fun and checking out the lifeguards, most people
don't think much about water safety — but they should. For people
between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second leading cause
of accidental death. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Most
water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe
and following a few simple guidelines.
Swimming Smarts
"Buddy up!" That's what swimming instructors say. Always swim
with a partner, every time — whether you're swimming in a
backyard pool or in a lake. Even experienced swimmers can become
tired or get muscle cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim
together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency.
Get skilled. Speaking of emergencies, it's good to be prepared. Learning some life-saving techniques,
such as CPR and rescue techniques, can help you save a life. A number of organizations offer free
classes for both beginning and experienced swimmers and boaters. Check with your YMCA or YWCA,
local hospital, or chapter of the Red Cross.
Know your limits. Swimming can be a lot of fun — and you might want to stay in the water as long
as possible. If you're not a good swimmer or you're just learning to swim, don't go in water that's so
deep you can't touch the bottom and don't try to keep up with skilled swimmers. That can be hard,
especially when your friends are challenging you — but it's a pretty sure bet they'd rather have you
safe and alive.
If you are a good swimmer and have had lessons, keep an eye on friends who aren't as comfortable or
as skilled as you are. If it seems like they (or you) are getting tired or a little uneasy, suggest that you
take a break from swimming for a while.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
Swim in safe areas only. It's a good idea to swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard.
No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, riptides, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. In
the event that something does go wrong, lifeguards are trained in rescue techniques.
Swimming in an open body of water (like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool.
You need more energy to handle the currents and other conditions in the open water.
If you do find yourself caught in a current, don't panic and don't fight the current. Swim with the
current, gradually trying to make your way back to shore as you do so. Even a very good swimmer
who tries to swim against a strong current will get worn out. If you're going to be swimming in an
open body of water, it's a great idea to take swimming lessons that provide you with tips on handling
unexpected hazards.
Some areas with extremely strong currents are off limits when it comes to swimming. Do your
research so you know where not to swim.
Be careful about diving. Diving injuries can cause permanent spinal cord damage, paralysis, and in
some cases even death. Protect yourself by only diving in areas that are known to be safe, such as the
deep end of a supervised pool. If an area is posted with "No Diving" or "No Swimming" signs, pay
attention to them. A "No Diving" sign means the water isn't safe for a head-first entry. Even if you
plan to jump in feet first, check the water's depth before you leap to make sure there are no hidden
rocks or other hazards. Lakes or rivers can be cloudy and hazards may be hard to see.
Watch the sun. Sun reflecting off the water or off sand can intensify the burning rays. You might not
feel sunburned when the water feels cool and refreshing, but the pain will catch up with you later — so
remember to reapply sunscreen frequently and cover up much of the time.
Drink plenty of fluids. It's easy to get dehydrated in the sun, particularly if you're active and
sweating. Keep up with fluids — particularly water — to prevent dehydration. Dizziness, feeling
lightheaded, or nausea can be signs of dehydration and overheating.
Getting too cool. Speaking of temperature, it's possible to get too cool. How? Staying in very cool
water for long periods can lower your body temperature. A temperature of 70° Fahrenheit (20°
Celsius) is positively balmy on land, but did you know that water below 70° Fahrenheit will feel cold to
most swimmers? Your body temperature drops far more quickly in water than it does on land. And if
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
you're swimming, you're using energy and losing body heat even faster than if you were keeping still.
Monitor yourself when swimming in cold water and stay close to shore. If feel your body start to shiver
or your muscles cramp up, get out of the water quickly; it doesn't take long for hypothermia to set in.
Alcohol and water never mix. Alcohol is involved in numerous water-related injuries and up to half
of all water-related deaths. The statistics for teenage guys are particularly scary: One half of all
adolescent male drownings are tied to alcohol use.
At the Water Park
OK, so you do more splashing than swimming, but it's just as important to know your skill level at the
water park as it is at the pool. Take a moment to read warnings and other signs. And make sure you
do slide runs feet first or you'll put yourself at risk for a ride that's a lot less fun — one to your doctor
or dentist.
Boating Safety
More people die in boating accidents every year than in airplane crashes or train wrecks, but a little
common sense can make boating both enjoyable and safe. If you are going to go boating, make sure
the captain or person handling the boat is experienced and competent.
Alcohol and water still don't mix. One third of boating deaths are alcohol related. Alcohol distorts a
person's judgment no matter where they are — but that distortion is even greater on the water. The
U.S. Coast Guard warns people about a condition called boater's fatigue, which means that the wind,
noise, heat, and vibration of the boat all combine to wear you down when you're on the water.
Because there are no road signs or lane markers on the water and the weather can be unpredictable,
it's important to be able to think quickly and react well under pressure. If you're drinking, this can be
almost impossible.
Personal flotation devices. It's always a good idea for everyone on the boat to wear a Coast Guardapproved life jacket, whether the boat is a large speedboat or a canoe — and whether you're a good
swimmer or not. Wearing a life jacket (also known as a personal flotation device, or PFD) is the law in
some states for certain age groups, and you could face a stiff penalty for breaking it. Your state may
also require that you wear an approved life jacket for water skiing and other on-water activities.
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004
SWANS
Spiritual Women Aiding and Nurturing Sisters
Wearing a PFD is like wearing a helmet while biking. It may take a few minutes to get used to it, but it
definitely can be a lifesaver. Don't leave land without it.
Stay in touch. Before going out on a boat, let somebody on land know where you are going and
about how long you'll be out. That way, if you do get into trouble, someone will have an idea of where
to look for you. If you're going to be on the water for a long time, it's a good idea to have a radio with
you so you can check the weather reports. Water conducts electricity, so if you hear a storm warning,
get off the water as quickly as you can.
Jet skis. If you're using jet skis or personal watercraft, follow the same rules as you do for boating.
You should also check out the laws in your area governing the use of personal watercraft. Some states
won't allow people under a certain age to operate these devices; others require you to take a course
or pass a test before you can ride one.
Now Have Fun!
The pool and the beach are great places to learn new skills, socialize, and check out everyone's new
bathing suit. So don't let paying attention to safety turn you off. Being prepared will make you feel
more comfortable and in charge.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: June 2006 KidsHealth
Comes From Nemours
Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5263 Bloomfield Rd.
Macon, GA. 31206 (478) 788-3004